Horse Mesh Vs. Electric Fence – Making the Right Choice for Your Horses in Australia

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing the classic horse owner’s dilemma – finding the perfect fence to keep your precious companions safe and sound on your property. We get it; it’s a big decision that involves understanding the needs of these fascinating unpredictable beings. 

At Stock & Noble, we’ve been providing the safest and finest horse fencing to equine property owners for years. We’ve seen the worries, heard the concerns, and felt the pain points of horse owners like yourself. Our expertise isn’t just about selling fences; it’s about understanding the unique needs of horses and providing the safest solutions. 

We understand the worries and concerns swirling in your mind. Whether you’re a seasoned stable manager, a devoted breeder, a caring veterinarian, or simply a horse owner who wants the best for their equine friends, we know the importance of choosing the right and safe fencing solution. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss the key differences between two popular horse fencing solutions – mesh and electric fence. The comparison will be based on product specifications, safety features, performance insights, quality and ease of installation. 

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian expert or a first-time horse owner, by the end of your read, you’ll be confident to choose the perfect fence for your horses. 

Horse Mesh: Product Features 

When it comes to keeping your horses safe, Equine Mesh comes highly recommended. This type of fence is like a strong web made by weaving wires at just the right spaces and securing them with knots. The design isn’t just for looks – it gives the fence the strength, stability, and security your horses need. 

Tiny Spaces, Big Safety: 

One key thing about Horse Mesh is its small openings. These little spaces make sure your horses can’t get their hooves stuck or try any fancy climbing that could mess up the fence. The close spacing also works like a natural “keep out” sign for any sneaky predators, keeping your horses’ space secure. 

It’s a good idea to have an aperture no bigger than 5 cm.  

Weather-Proof and Hoof-Safe: 

To battle the weather, Horse Mesh gets a special treatment called galvanisation. It’s like a protective armour that helps mesh handle all kinds of weather. The mesh is woven into shapes like rectangles or triangles – not just for looks but to make sure it’s safe for horse hooves. 

Easy to Maintain Fence: 

Horse Mesh isn’t just about keeping things in or out. It’s a great fence with excellent strength in a straight line. It’s flexible, adapting to different needs, and the best part? Easy maintenance. For horse owners, it’s not just a fence; it’s the ideal choice for keeping their foals and horses safe, without too much effort. 

You can dig deeper into the several options of horse-safe steel mesh available today. 

Electric Fencing: Product Features 

Electric fencing works by using electricity to stop horses from crossing the line. It’s a top choice for horse owners because it’s safer, cheaper, and faster to put up than regular post and rail fences. Horses are smart – they quickly learn to stay away from electric fences because they know it’s something they shouldn’t touch. 

The Purpose of Electric Fencing: 

The main job of an electric horse fence is to keep horses safe by making sure they don’t get too close. Horses are pretty good at sensing when an electric fence is on, so they keep their distance. This is different from fences without electricity, where horses might choose to stay away only because of high visibility. 

Types of Electric Horse Fencing: 

There are a few kinds of electric horse fencing available. You’ve got electric rope, tape, rail, and wire – different options for different needs. The horserail is one of the top electric fences that has both a post and rail look as well as electric wires added to the top and bottom of the rail for effective horse containment. 

It’ll be worth comparing different electric fences for horses to find out which one is right for your property. 

Quality Matters: Mesh Fencing VS. Electric Fencing  

When it comes to quality, both mesh fencing and electric fencing have their standards. 

Mesh Fencing Quality 

High-quality mesh fences, like diamond mesh, are known to be super safe for horses. People who know horses – like stable managers, breeders, vets, and horse owners – recognise these as the top-notch option. The reason? A continuous weave pattern that gets rid of any sharp wire ends that could hurt animals. 

Mesh fencing is usually made from strong materials like woven wire or PVC-coated galvanised wire, making it tough and long-lasting. 

Electric Fencing Quality 

Electric fencing also has quality solutions. Electric rails like the original Horserail and the world’s only tensionable electric braid called EquiRope are popular choices expected to last a long time. But here’s the catch: for electric fencing to work well, three things must team up perfectly. The energiser, earthing system, and fence line have to make a full, closed circuit to give that effective shock. If any part has faults, it won’t do the job right. 

Comparing Safety: Mesh vs. Electric Fencing 

Both mesh and electric fencing are popular choices because of the high horse safety component. However, mesh opening has to be carefully chosen for optimum performance. 

Mesh Fencing Safety: 

Diamond mesh fencing is known to be a super safe option for horses. But here’s the key – make sure there are no big openings in the mesh, especially when thinking about little ones like foals, ponies, or miniature horses. The V-mesh weave is like an extra safety net, making sure hooves or legs won’t get stuck. 

To make it even safer, experts suggest adding a solid rail of steel or timber along the top. This extra feature stops the fence from sagging and makes sure no sharp ends are sticking out towards the horses. A rail on top also adds a visual barrier, it keeps horses from reaching over and maybe messing up the fence. 

Even though mesh fencing gives appropriate visibility and good ventilation, it’s important to choose the right type of mesh and make sure it’s installed and taken care of properly. That way, you can avoid any tangles or damage to those precious hooves. 

Electric Fencing Safety 

Electric fencing takes a different approach to safety. It gives a quick, safe shock – not harmful, just enough to make horses remember to stay away. This shock isn’t just physical; it’s also a mental reminder for animals to respect the fence. When this happens, there are fewer chances of them getting hurt. 

If safety is your top concern, find out whether you should electrify your fences or not. 

Comparing Mesh vs. Electric Fencing: Performance Insights 

Electric fencing is a better performer as compared to mesh because it teaches the horses to stay away from the fence more effectively. 

Mesh Fencing Performance 

When mesh fencing is put up the right way, it does a pretty good job of keeping horses in their place. But here’s the thing – depending on how big the holes in the mesh are, it might not make horses respect it as much as electric fencing does. That’s something to keep in mind. 

Electric Fencing Performance 

Electric fencing takes the lead when it comes to performance. The shock it gives animals teaches them to stay away from the fence. This shock adds an extra layer of safety. 

But here’s the deal – electric fencing lasts longer than regular fences because animals learn to avoid it. It’s like a lesson that sticks. However, putting up an electric fence with just metal posts might not be the safest idea. The metal posts can be risky for horses, and the electrified wire might not be easy for them to see, leading to accidental run-ins. To make it safer, using plastic caps on top of metal posts or tying coloured ribbons on the wire helps horses notice it better. Also, horserail with plastic posts would probably be the safest option in our opinion. 

Comparing Mesh vs. Electric Fencing: Installation Ease 

When it comes to installation, mesh fencing needs some extra muscle, while electric fencing keeps it light and easy for you and your horses. 

Mesh Fencing Installation 

Mesh fencing installation is a bit of a workout. It needs careful stretching and securing to posts, making it a more hands-on process. This can take some time and might need extra tools and know-how from a fencing expert to get it just right. 

If you’re looking to install mesh on your property these resources might prove useful: 

How to attach the mesh to Timber Post and Rail Fencing. 

How to attach mesh to Steel Post and Rail Fencing. 

Electric Fencing Installation 

Electric fencing is much easier to install. It’s super light, which makes putting it up a simple task. Unlike other fences, it keeps out unwanted guests like trespassers and predators without much fuss. 

To install electric fencing on your property, these resources might be helpful: 

How to install Horserail fencing. 

How to install EquiRope on my property. 

Which Horse Fence Will You Choose: Mesh Fencing Or Electric Fence? 

You want to choose the best fencing for your horses and weren’t sure which would be the right solution: Horse Mesh or Electric Fence. 

Now you know both fences have their merits. They are long-lasting, durable fences that are safe for your horses. But the better choice depends on your specific needs. If you have foals on your property, and prioritise sturdiness and easy maintenance, Horse Mesh might be the ideal fit. 

On the other hand, if you desire a post and rail look along with electrics Horserail HotTop Plus could be your top consideration. Or if quick installation and effective psychological barriers are your priorities Electric Fence like EquiRope could be the better solution. 

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences, property requirements, and the unique characteristics of your horses. If you’re specifically concerned about keeping your horses safe from fence-related injuries, this is the right stage to find out the best ways to prevent them. 

If you have more questions related to horse fencing or want to find the right solution that matches your budget, property, animals, and your vision then consult a fencing professional. They will guide you every step of the way to create a safe and beautiful property for your equine companions.